Eagle urges Scottish Government to back ‘struggling’ Scottish beef industry

The Scottish Government has been urged to ensure the nation’s beef industry is given the right support.

Buckie-based Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle, the Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and a farmer himself, highlighted his concerns as the SSI was discussed at the Scottish Parliament recently covering the suckler calf scheme.

He questioned whether changes to the suckler beef support scheme which acts to help maintain beef suckler herds at a level that sustains the commercial beef industry in Scotland, was really going to achieve its objectives.

Following many meetings with industry representatives Mr Eagle said that changes to the scheme risk “further harm to the industry, particularly for smaller farmers which is a significant number in Scotland”.

He continued: “Farmers who rent bulls, farmers who work only part-time on the unit or who face significant weather issues which may make management all the harder.

“Farmers who under this scheme risk losing payments, who will have to find and submit evidence for force majeure which adds bureaucracy for the scheme.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Eagle added: “I have a particular concern for smaller farmers who tend to predominate in the Highlands and Islands which I represent.

“They make an immensely valuable contribution economically to our remoter rural areas and also make a significant environmental and social contribution, too.

“But I fear that many are currently struggling.

“While continuing the suckler scheme is a must, I fear that it may not deliver the results we are all hoping for and we may actually see a reduction in activity among our smaller farms and crofts when it comes to beef production. That is why I am urging ministers to look again at their plans and not press on with them until we can be sure that they truly benefit the industry.”